Rwanda is still in recovery from the 1994 genocide, and currently supports the densest population in Africa, 70% of which is under the age of 30. Ballet Rwanda hopes to go beyond the serious practical lack of resources for the Rwandan people, and give the children of Kigali the opportunity to master a performance art in the form of classical ballet.
“The fueling of creativity in a child’s life is crucial…dance as a physical and creative outlet offers a child structure, attainable goals, and visible results,” says founder Caroline Joan Peixoto.
Founded in partnership with traditional dance studio RwaMakondera and Khartoum International Community School, Ballet Rwanda will begin classes in Kigali beginning in October 2009, and hopes to teach up to 60 children in its first year.
In order to offer classes free of charge, Ballet Rwanda has a fundraising goal of $20,000 in advance of its first year. $15 buys an outfit of tights and leotard, $90 purchases a year of classes for one student, and $600 provides portable barres for the studio.
Ballet Rwanda’s first fundraising event is being held on July 16th, 2009, in partnership with SIP Bar in Manhattan, NY. Proceeds from drinks and food purchased between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. will be given directly to Ballet Rwanda.
Donations can be given at www.BalletRwanda.com. The website also includes information on the organization, and a detailed event calendar. Daily updates are posted on Twitter, at www.Twitter.com/
